When does that make sense?

Feeding pitcher plants when insects are missing?

In the wild, there are enough insects available to the Nepenthes to ensure the supply of nutrients. The prey is lured into the eye-catching pitchers by fragrances and remains trapped there. It is digested by the digestive fluid that forms in the jug.

If pitcher plants are grown in the apartment, there is often a lack of insects, especially if the household is very clean and the windows are covered with fly screens.

Feed pitcher plants with meat

Of course, you are allowed to put killed mosquitoes or flies in the cans, but this is not absolutely necessary. the Pitcher plant Like all plants, they get their nutrients from the leaves. Seen in this way, insects are just an added treat.

If possible, feed insects that are still alive. You should never feed more than one or two specimens at a time. The insects must be able to swim in the digestive juice.

Please note that there must be liquid in the jug. This is not about water, but about the digestive secretion. If this was accidentally poured out, the pitcher plant cannot digest insects. The cans then die off quickly.

How to fertilize the pitcher plant

Pitcher plants need fewer nutrients than most gardeners think. They are pulled from the plant substrate or taken in through the air. Fertilize is therefore generally not necessary if you use the Nepenthes regularly repot.

If you do not want to do without fertilizer entirely, you have to be economical, because too many nutrients are not good for the Nepenthes.

As a fertilizer for Nepenthes is suitable Orchid fertilizer. Some gardeners swear by it Slow release fertilizerwhich is put into the jugs in the form of pearls. However, this form of fertilization is controversial among experts.